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Section 2: Preliminary Design

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Overview

Preliminary design steps include a number of activities to gather information and identify issues. A project’s landscape architect may be involved in numerous preliminary design activities. This section covers the role of the landscape architect as it relates to the tasks highlighted below:

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Data Collection and Preliminary Design

During this step, landscape architects may be involved in tasks to:

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Conduct Preliminary Design Conference (2000)

A design division landscape architect should attend the pre-design concept conference. The landscape architect will advise the project manager of landscape and aesthetic issues that should be addressed during the preliminary design phase of the project. The objective is to identify the problems and issues early in the process so that the most cost-effective design options can be considered.

The landscape architect should be alert for:

    Anchor: #RLOCQDKU
  • visually sensitive neighborhoods or natural landscapes
    • Anchor: #QKYOASBT
  • environmental constraints that require design modification such as noise sensitive properties, wetlands, endangered habitat or plant species, cultural and historic resources
    • Anchor: #SUGIDTHL
  • urban corridors through special districts: retail, high-density housing, institutional, etc.
    • Anchor: #BCKBLVKE
  • issues related to bicycle and pedestrian accommodation within the right-of-way
    • Anchor: #EAAUBUWB
  • steps that should be taken to define the issues and identify actions to be taken in the preliminary design process to address identified issues successfully

Action items

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  • Advise the project manager of the need for a landscape architect on the design team with recommendations for in-house or consulting services.
    • Anchor: #UGOPMMHH
  • Identify specific areas of landscape and aesthetic concern.
    • Anchor: #TGJXBEDJ
  • Identify issues related to bicycle and pedestrian accommodation.
    • Anchor: #KBJJPXPT
  • Provide written recommendations to the project manager.

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Conduct Early Coordination with Stakeholders (2110)

The landscape architect assigned to the preliminary design team should coordinate with the project manager and individuals responsible for coordinating the environmental permitting process and attend meetings with natural resource agencies and other stakeholders.

The primary responsibility of the landscape architect in the preliminary design process is to identify landscape and aesthetic design issues that will impact the physical form of the project. Then, the landscape architect should coordinate with other members of the design team as the project progresses through schematic and final design.

The landscape architect should be alert for:

    Anchor: #WTQPFYTU
  • resource agency demands that will require physical changes in the landscape, particularly such elements as deep cuts, elevated sections of roadway, complex interchanges, or ramps
    • Anchor: #NSOFPBWM
  • activities that require taking of right-of-way
    • Anchor: #FURTTKLO
  • any activities that will impact wetlands or vegetation associated with vulnerable habitat
    • Anchor: #YBCIQEMB
  • established neighborhoods that will be significantly impacted

Action items

    Anchor: #JJBLKDUC
  • Assist Environmental Affairs Division with the preparation of lists of data needs.
    • Anchor: #XCGSWNNA
  • Prepare documentation of specific landscape and aesthetic problems.
    • Anchor: #CNLTDEVP
  • Advise project manager in writing of any significant problems that may impact right-of-way needs or acquisition.
    • Anchor: #GGELKEKW
  • Advise project manager in writing of any special data needs or studies that may be needed to address landscape and aesthetic issues.

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading

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Obtain Related Data, Plans, Studies and Reports (2160) and Perform Site Visit (1010)

Based on review of the site and preliminary meetings with resource agencies and identified stakeholders, landscape architects acquire and review existing documentation related to the landscape and aesthetic issues identified. Data collection phase should include a site visit and preliminary site analysis related to landscape and aesthetic issues.

The landscape architect should be alert for:

    Anchor: #YUPGQURD
  • ordinances, deed restrictions, or previous aesthetics related studies
    • Anchor: #TJMXYNNG
  • previous proposals for landscape development
    • Anchor: #CQBTKWMY
  • environmental reports or impact studies
    • Anchor: #JFQILUFO
  • soils, geologic, climatic, vegetation, or development information that may inform the planning process
    • Anchor: #KHCMGTYM
  • grading and earth work requirements that will significantly impact the final form of the project or impact revegetation efforts
    • Anchor: #XUQWDIWW
  • gaps in the existing data that need to be filled

Action items

    Anchor: #ADELYVED
  • Prepare a succinct site analysis that identifies landscape and aesthetic issues that will impact physical design. This may include structure location, vertical or horizontal alignment, earthwork, revegetation and drainage.
    • Anchor: #OUJXYMNM
  • Prepare requests or specifications for data collection that is needed to support landscape and aesthetic design activities.

For specific information on these project development tasks, refer to the PDPM under the task numbers referenced in the subsection heading.

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Public Meeting and Design Revision

Public meetings conducted early in the process gather information from agencies, municipalities, and stakeholders about a project. This step is preliminary to the Environmental Affairs Division public participation process. It is important that the project landscape architect participate in initial public meetings and identify any landscape and aesthetic concerns that will impact the project.

Tasks in this step include:

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Conduct Public Meeting(s) (2260)

Several activities are associated with preparation for public meetings but not all activities will be required for every project.

Action items

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Revise Design Based on Public Input (2270)

Public concerns about a project are often related to aesthetic issues. It is important that these issues be identified early and that positive responses are made to address the matters of concern. Doing so will usually minimize the costs associated with aesthetic treatments and avoid costly delays and retrofitting later in the design process.

Action item

    Anchor: #VNFMTBOX
  • As needed, provide the project manager with recommendations or design alternatives that respond to landscape and aesthetic issues identified in the public meeting.

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Preliminary and Geometric Schematic Design

During preparation of preliminary and geometric schematics, landscape architects may assist in the following tasks:

Planning tasks that may involve landscape architects include those which:

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Evaluate Corridor Alternatives (2300) and Evaluate Route Alternatives (2320)

The landscape architect should work with the design team to develop and evaluate route alternatives and configurations. Aesthetic issues are of increasing concern on urban projects where limited right-of-way is dictating that more of the traveled way be placed on structure. In rural settings landscape and aesthetic issues will more often be related to the visual character of the landscape and environmental concerns for protection of water resources and wildlife habitat.

During this phase of the work the project landscape architect should assist in developing alternatives by:

    Anchor: #WINXIHCL
  • advising on issues related to reestablishment and long-term sustainability of vegetation for erosion control, slope stabilization, drainage, and water management
    • Anchor: #SEWUQMGS
  • identifying earthwork and landform impacts
    • Anchor: #NYMIBVRB
  • listing geometric impacts on visual quality
    • Anchor: #WSHXOVYO
  • advising on the accommodation of bicycles and pedestrians

Action items

    Anchor: #OTLNSLSM
  • Prepare a written assessment of advantages and disadvantages of each alternative related to landscape and aesthetic issues to include the accommodation of bicycles and pedestrians.
    • Anchor: #SYHQFSXX
  • Provide input as needed to the assessment of the “no-project” alternative.

    For specific information on these project development tasks, refer to the PDPM under the task numbers referenced in the subsection heading.

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Evaluate Geometric Alternatives (2350)

During the development of preliminary geometric design the project landscape architect should focus on design issues that could significantly impact the visible landscape of the corridor and offer suggestions regarding possible alternative solutions. In addition the landscape architect should develop proposals for bicycle and pedestrian accommodation as appropriate to the specific project.

The landscape architect should be alert to geometric proposals that would:

    Anchor: #UGUFXAUC
  • generate objectionable views to or from the highway corridor
    • Anchor: #EOQWSCWC
  • cause highly visible scars or radical changes in the landform or would adversely impact the visual quality of the highway corridor
    • Anchor: #ULRIJIEE
  • limit pedestrian or bicycle accessibility or safety
    • Anchor: #OOMIAGSD
  • compromise the long-term safety or sustainability/maintainability of the roadside

Action items

    Anchor: #OQTOERJD
  • Provide written assessment and recommendations to the project manager regarding alternative alignments.
    • Anchor: #YPDAIAOA
  • Provide appropriate graphic files for special alignments required for bicycle and or pedestrian facilities to be incorporated.

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Develop Typical Sections (2360)

The project landscape architect works with the engineer responsible for preliminary design to develop typical sections for the project. This includes looking at all parts of the projects: ramps, embankments, bridge approaches, cuts, retaining walls, guard rail and traffic barrier requirements, drainage channels, noise walls, and any special erosion control or reforestation measures that may be required.

The landscape architect’s work must focus on issues of:

Action item

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  • Provide the preliminary design engineers with written comments and appropriate graphic files for typical sections.

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Prepare Assessment of Landscape and Aesthetic Issues (2370)

The purpose of this activity is to identify landscape and aesthetic issues that will have to be addressed as part of the project. These issues frequently overlap with environmental concerns, highway, and bridge design. Early identification of landscape and aesthetic issues allows designers to address the issues early in the design process thus avoiding costly changes or retrofitting in the later phases of design.

Chapter 2 of this manual describes the process for conducting a Landscape and Aesthetics Assessment. The purpose of the assessment and resulting is to identify and codify the issues that must be addressed as the project proceeds through the design process. The factors driving these design issues are often matters of public preference, or required to address environmental concerns. Issues are best identified through the public participation process and appropriate field investigation.

Action items

    Anchor: #SOINVXPD
  • Identify and review any existing “Landscape and Aesthetics Master Plans” (LAMPs) that have been prepared for the project corridor or adjacent corridors. If a LAMP exists it should be reviewed to be sure that it covers the needs of the current project. If no LAMP exists for the project corridor, the project landscape architect should advise the project manager that LAP is needed.
    • Anchor: #BIOTXVVG
  • Assist the project manager in securing or developing LAMPs as needed.
    • Anchor: #PWAKHWUJ
  • Prepare or assist the project manager in preparing the Landscape and Aesthetic Assessment statement.

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Develop Bicyclist/Pedestrian Accommodation Concept (2380)

During the preparation of the geometric alternatives the project landscape architect should review the preliminary profiles and sections and, where appropriate, prepare a concept for the accommodation of bicycles and pedestrians.

The concept should include specific recommendations for location, profiles and cross sections. All recommendations for bicycle and pedestrian facilities must comply with ADA requirements. Bicycle facilities must be designed in accordance with the adopted portions of the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. Pedestrian facilities should meet applicable sections of the AASHTO’s A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets. Basic design information is provided in this manual.

Action items

    Anchor: #SOTVEYCR
  • provide the project engineer with a written concept statement for pedestrian and bicycle accommodation
    • Anchor: #NLHPMBRY
  • prepare appropriate profiles and sections for the bicycle and pedestrian accommodation concept

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Develop Preferred Geometric Alignment (2500)

Working with the design team the project landscape architect may be responsible for developing landscape and aesthetic concepts and bicycle and pedestrian access plans. It is important that these tasks occur concurrently to optimize the design.

The landscape architect should be alert for:

    Anchor: #EQMWYOTY
  • opportunities to integrate the alignment of pedestrian and bicycle ways with the configuration of the highway (The objective should be to meet all ADA, safety, and special alignment considerations while taking maximum advantage of the roadway alignment to avoid additional costs.)
    • Anchor: #PKJNLEFK
  • opportunities to use the clearing, grading erosion control and revegetation process to enhance the aesthetic quality of the highway corridor

Action items

    Anchor: #TJUVHYBP
  • Identify and offer solutions for areas with difficult slopes, areas of high erosion potential or other areas that will require special attention to meet erosion control and revegetation needs.
    • Anchor: #SVWIYUBI
  • As required, prepare preferred alignment for all pedestrian and bicycle access facilities to be included in the project.
    • Anchor: #VEKGASLX
  • As required, prepare a revised Landscape and Aesthetic Assessment statement based on preferred alignment and available public input.

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Refine Typical Sections (2520)

Roadway Design has the primary responsibility for refining the typical cross sections. However, the project landscape architect should coordinate with Roadway Design regarding issues related to revegetation, reforestation, bicycle and pedestrian accommodation, and roadside sustainability.

The landscape architect should be alert for:

    Anchor: #ITIWGICV
  • opportunities to keep existing native vegetation in place; this reduces clearing and grading, revegetation and erosion control costs, is more environmentally friendly, and reduces long-term maintenance costs
    • Anchor: #EGLYHYFY
  • areas that will need special treatments to reduce erosion hazard and revegetation expense
    • Anchor: #OMUQWCJS
  • areas that will be difficult to access for maintenance or will tend to collect trash and debris

Action items

    Anchor: #LYKDXUFV
  • Advise the project manager in writing of any cross section refinements needed to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle access and safety.
    • Anchor: #OORYBLTS
  • Advise the project manager in writing of any areas where grading or sectional adjustments should be adjusted to preserve desirable stands of native vegetation.
    • Anchor: #CJELKOKN
  • Advise the project manager in writing, and with appropriate graphic files, of sectional design alternatives that can be employed to help ensure sustainability/maintainability.

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Prepare Mitigation Plan for Historic Structures (2530)

The project landscape architect should coordinate with Environmental Affairs Division, Design Division, Bridge Division, and other design sections in the preparation of mitigation plans. The project landscape architect may be responsible for issues of site design, and the preparation of preliminary plans that document agreements made in the environmental process. The degree of involvement depends on the nature and scope of the project.

When cultural or historic resources are identified as a significant part of a project the project landscape architect should meet with Environmental Affairs Division representatives or the District Environmental Coordinator to determine the scope of work that may be required. In the case of historic urban districts or neighborhoods there is often a need to coordinate a wide range of design details so that the highway project fits into the existing landscape. When these situations are encountered the project landscape architect should take the lead in coordinating the design details through the entire design process. This provides for the greatest possible continuity.

The landscape architect should be alert for:

    Anchor: #RVPTMFRU
  • architectural details and conventions that can be incorporated into the project with little or no increased cost
    • Anchor: #EPVAUYTF
  • sections of the project that may require special attention to architectural detail, planting, or earthwork
    • Anchor: #JXUAVAXF
  • special site requirements for access, preservation of views, structures, or other features related to the specific resource

Action item

    Anchor: #UFCLDMHI
  • Prepare preliminary mitigation plan with appropriate documentation.

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Perform Preliminary Planning for Bridges (2580)

Major urban highway interchanges are characterized by numerous bridges and deceptively larger areas of open space. In the preliminary review of interchange bridges the project landscape architect considers a variety of issues.

The landscape architect should be alert for:

    Anchor: #STVVXSKF
  • opportunities to preserve existing vegetation to minimize clearing, grading, revegetation, and long-term maintenance costs
    • Anchor: #TYCTUSJB
  • areas that will be difficult to revegetate or maintain vegetation cover
    • Anchor: #QLBWVTCW
  • areas that can serve as permanent wetlands, storm water management and pollution control structures
    • Anchor: #ELIUSRYD
  • areas that will require special architectural or landscape treatment to meet erosion control, reforestation, or to increased sustainability

Action item

    Anchor: #WRORODEP
  • Provide the project manager written comments on the interchange layout with appropriate graphics support files.

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Establish Preliminary Retaining and/or Noise Wall Locations (2590)

The project landscape architect should review the location of retaining and/or noise walls. The primary concerns at the preliminary design stage are maintainability and impact of the walls.

Noise walls are visually dominating structures when they are required as part of a project. They can also be controversial, particularly with respect to location and architectural detail. On any project that will require the use of noise walls the project landscape architect should review preliminary plans for location and be sure that appropriate provisions are included in the Landscape and Aesthetics Master Plan to guide the development of final design details.

In situations where the use of walls may be controversial, design alternatives should be developed along with appropriate graphic exhibits as a means of developing public consensus.

The landscape architect should be alert for:

    Anchor: #SANUWWIG
  • maintainability above and below the proposed locations of the walls
    • Anchor: #TSGHEPEM
  • impact of the walls on the visual character and quality of the corridor
    • Anchor: #HKPWVUJU
  • potential impact of walls on adjacent properties and alternatives for mitigation

Action items

    Anchor: #FCRSKLEO
  • Review the retaining wall locations and advise the project manager in writing of actions or special design considerations that may impact the location or final design of retaining walls.
    • Anchor: #XRJOMUCO
  • As appropriate, prepare design alternatives for proposed walls and develop graphic displays for use in building public consensus.
    • Anchor: #MJKKCXXW
  • Advise the project manager in writing of any alternatives to wall location, to reduce maintenance or opportunities to use the natural grade and land form to reduce the size or minimize the use of walls.

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Geometric Schematic Approval

The following subsections outline action items associated with specific steps in the schematic approval process. The landscape architect has a continuing role in the process to:

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Obtain Approval of Geometric Schematic before Public Hearing (2880)

This part of the preliminary design process is iterative and is the initial point of internal and external review. During this part of the process, particularly projects involving developed urban corridors, it is important that the project landscape architect take an active role.

Because this is an initial point of contact with municipal jurisdictions and neighborhood groups it is the best time to begin educating the public about TxDOT’s approach to the highway landscape, the concept of corridor development zones, and opportunities for partnering with TxDOT to accomplish special landscape and aesthetic treatments. Over the course of this part of the process the landscape architect can observe a number of conditions which may impact schematic approval and project design.

The project landscape architect should be alert for:

    Anchor: #TJWBHDLR
  • opportunities to partner with communities and other agencies that wish to assume maintenance of adjacent rights-of-way with Zone I or Zone II landscape development
    • Anchor: #EFSNCJNJ
  • community concerns for visual, aesthetic, and/or landscape design details or qualities
    • Anchor: #RAFUDTMY
  • issues of cultural or historical significance that may not have been obvious in the early phases of project planning
    • Anchor: #SAKVNRBD
  • opportunities to enhance the highway corridor by taking advantage of existing resources that may have been overlooked in the initial schematic studies

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

Action item

    Anchor: #FWLAJANW
  • Assist the project manager in negotiations or in the preparation of support materials.
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Review Geometric Schematic with Stakeholders (2860)

This is the initial review. If significant landscape and aesthetic design issues have been identified at this point in the process the project landscape architect should participate in these initial reviews.

Action items

For specific inform ation on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Revise Geometric Schematic Based on Input from Public Hearing (2890)

Where landscape and aesthetics issues impact the final schematics, appropriate revisions should be made and submitted for review. In general the input at this stage would be to identify areas to be planted as living screens, areas to be reforested or naturalized, etc. It may also involve special landform manipulation.

Action item

    Anchor: #EXUMNWVQ
  • Prepare revisions to landscape and aesthetics schematic design and submit to the project manager.

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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Obtain Approval of Final Geometric Schematic (2920)

At this stage district personnel and project landscape architects may want to pursue potentials for partnering with outside entities for long-term maintenance of enhanced landscape and aesthetics treatments.

Action item

    Anchor: #FSSTYIMT
  • On the basis of approved schematics follow up with the appropriate agencies on agreements or partnering possibilities related to landscape and aesthetic measures included in the final schematics.

For specific information on this project development task, refer to the PDPM under the task number referenced in the subsection heading.

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